October events

October is a busy time of year for the Historical Center. Since the weather is finally starting to cool, it's the perfect time to find us at some special events in the area. With this month being Louisiana Archaeology Month, representatives from the Historical Center are taking our reproduction Native American tools to several local events. All of these reproductions were made for the Historical Center by Louis Baker, a Bossier Parish resident. These beautiful Osage Orange (also known as Bois D'Arc) wood tools are great examples of items that members of the Caddo Nation and other Native Americans were using in their daily lives. Some of the tools that we have include a wood-splitting wedge, an atlatl, a bow and arrow, a mortar and pestle, a pump drill, several spear points, and a celt. We also have a bone needle, necklace, and fishhook.

This past Saturday, Marisa Diedrich joined Northwest Regional Archaeologist Jeff Girard at LSUS's Pioneer Heritage Day. The reproduction tools were on display for the many visitors to the Pioneer Heritage Center. Vistors could hold the items to feel the weight of the wood and they were impressed by the efficiency of the pump drill. We enjoyed the event and look forward to next year!

If you missed the Caddo tools at LSUS, there is another opportunity to see them this Saturday, the 16th, at the Red River National Wildlife Refuge Celebration. This free event runs from 8:30 - 3:30 at the Red River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters Unit on 555 Sunflower Road in Bossier City. Pam Carlisle and Jeff Girard will provide demonstrations of the tools. There will be plenty of things to do and see, including animals (hawks, owls, alligators!), hayrides, face painting, and children's activities. Stop by to support the Refuge and the Historical Center!